affliction of spirit, soul, and body, of Him, who overcame principalities and powers in the wilderness, in the city, on the cross, and in the sepulchre; and ever liveth to make intercession for us; and in all things seek fellowship in Him, ever "steadfast and unmovable, forasmuch as we know our labour is not vain." Yet, Lord, LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL! Let us not presume, but tremble, as if ever on the brink of great and grievous falls, if left for one moment to ourselves! Thou wouldest have us witnesses to Thy glory, and of Thy power over our one common tempter and deliverer. Do Thou stay us up in Thy Strength, to resist all the evil tendencies, faithlessnesses, and eagernesses of our hearts for what might prove our ruin. Give us grace, if choice of divers paths be given us, to watch the balance of Thy Will, that so we shun the evil and choose the good; and direct our every thought and way, that all may work together for Thy glory and our good. LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL! Father! if Thou chasten and correct us, give us not over unto death; but in every temptation make a way for escape, according to Thy promise! If Thou seest it well to try and prove our hearts, temper judgment with merсу, "lest Thou bring us to confusion." In measure, "fight against our corruptions," and "scatter them by Thy power," staying Thy rough wind in the day of Thy cast wind," lest "those that wait on Thee, O Lord God of Hosts, should be ashamed for our sakes, and those that seek Thee confounded through us!" 66 hand of Thy righteousness," and vouchsafe us such outpourings of Thy preventing, restraining, as well as special and sanctifying grace, as shall tend to the salvation of our souls, and the edifying and well-growing of Thy Church; and then we may with boldness say, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy. When I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He plead my cause, and execute judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness!" Yes, gracious Lord God! if heirs of blessing here, we shall be heirs of blessedness hereafter, when all the hindrances of the world and the flesh being taken away, we shall be ripened into the full perfection of our spiritual being! For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen! BOOKS. WE recommend the following publications as being both cheap and valuable. Whitaker's Penny Almanack for Churchmen, for 1852.-J. H. Parker. Tales and Allegories.--J.H.Parker. Daily Steps toward Heaven.J. H. Parker. A Catechism to be learnt before the Church Catechism.-J. Masters. A Catechism on the Incarnation. J. Masters. Prayers and Self-Examination for Children.-J. Masters. Prayers for Young Persons from 12 to 16 years of age.-J. Masters. A Pocket Manual of PrayersJ. Masters. A Short and Easy Catechism for the use of Young Persons of the Church of England.-Toovey. |